Over 4.21 lakh migratory birds visit Odisha’s Hirakud reservoir this winter

Over 4.21 lakh migratory birds flocked to the Hirakud reservoir in Odisha’s Sambalpur district this winter, highlighting the wetland’s growing importance as a major wintering ground for waterfowl from across Asia and parts of Europe, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the Mid-Winter Waterfowl Census-2026 , conducted on January 18, a total of 4,21,763 birds belonging to 128 species were recorded across 5.72 sq km of the reservoir’s power channel area up to the Chhattisgarh border, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

Divisional Forest Officer of Hirakud Wildlife Division Anshu Pragyan Das said five species were recorded at the reservoir for the first time during the census, including the Ruddy Crake, Greater Painted-snipe, Painted Stork, Little Gull and Sanderling . The most abundant species observed were the Tufted Duck (71,273), Lesser Whistling Duck (60,987) and Common Coot (51,665) .

Das attributed the rise in bird numbers and diversity to the reservoir’s vast wetland habitat, abundant food resources, mild winter climate, and strategic location along major migratory flyways . The reservoir provides extensive shallow waters, mudflats and islands, offering ideal conditions for birds to rest and feed during the winter months.

Every year, thousands of migratory birds arrive at Hirakud from regions such as the Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake, Aral Sea, Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia and the Himalayas , typically staying between November and March.

The census exercise saw participation from 93 people, including birding experts, forest officials, NGOs and school students , reflecting a collaborative approach to conservation. Officials said such systematic monitoring is vital to track population trends, assess wetland health, detect changes in migratory behaviour and guide conservation and habitat management strategies .

Last winter, the reservoir hosted over 3.77 lakh birds of 122 species, while in 2024, more than 3.42 lakh birds belonging to 113 species were recorded, indicating a consistent upward trend, officials added.